Kasper Still Out Of Running

21 October 2010 02:07

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Kasper Schmeichel's absence is set to extend into next week with Leeds United expecting the goalkeeper to sit out Monday night's visit of Cardiff City. Schmeichel missed his eighth game of the season on Tuesday night with the foot injury he suffered at the end of August at Watford, and Simon Grayson is unlikely to be able to call on him for the visit of an in-form Cardiff side to Elland Road.Leeds initially set Schmeichel's recovery period at six weeks but the talented Dane, who established himself as United's first-choice keeper at the start of the season, has been unavailable for almost two months, and Leeds are expected to have the choice of two loanees again on Monday as they attempt to repel one of the most dangerous attacking lines in the Championship.Blackburn Rovers' Jason Brown featured in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Leicester City, with Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ben Alnwick on the bench, and a hamstring injury affecting Shane Higgs will almost certainly prevent him from being considered for selection.Schmeichel's absence has been a particular blow to Leeds, denying them the use of a keeper who is widely considered to be one of the finest in the Championship.United were hopeful that damage to a tendon in one of his feet would not rule him out for a substantial period of time, but Grayson is unwilling to take a risk on the 23-year-old, despite the prospect of facing a combination of Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd on Monday night.Grayson said: "They (Schmeichel and Higgs) aren't available at this moment."They're progressing nicely but I can't afford for them to come back early and then be out for a longer period of time. They are coming along."Neither Schmeichel nor Higgs were involved in a friendly contested by United at Stoke City yesterday afternoon, but Billy Paynter made another successful outing on his comeback from a shin injury.Ben Parker also featured, though the left-back's match fitness is likely to prevent him from competing for place in the squad to face Cardiff. Leeds still have George McCartney available to fill that area of their defensive line with his loan from Sunderland set to expire after Monday's fixture.